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Unusual keyboards for programmers and not only

Programmers are different, and they have different requests, someone does not use the mouse, someone does not use the functional keys ... avishas, ​​someone does not use the block of numeric keys, and someone does not even need the cursor keys. A lot of those who spend a lot of time behind the keyboard suffer from illnesses caused by improper fit, improper positioning of hands, the need to constantly move the brush from place to place, and simply the inability to type anything other than the index fingers. In addition to the appearance of the keyboard, the layout can also be different, from the standard Qwerty and Colemak and Dvorak, which are more or less well-known to exotic species such as chord and shorthand keyboards. Paradoxically, there are even keyboard-less keyboards. The keyboards differ in the type of keys, from the usual mechanical keys, which can vary in quality , the keys with a reduced stroke, often used in laptops, as well as touch, projection, and even flexible ones.

Special keyboards are designed to increase the convenience of typing (although there is a distrust of it , to make room on the table, and to meet the user's demands. But there are many, many keyboards, and there is no universal one that suits everyone.

In this topic, I did not want to cover all models or even all existing types of keyboards, but only the most frequently used and most original ones, as well as those that are not very expensive.
If you use something unusual that I suddenly missed, be sure to write about it in the comment. Or simply describe your impression of using one of these devices.
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First, let's define what a “regular” keyboard is. The de facto standard for a long time has been the extended keyboard of the IBM PC Model M.

Later, in connection with the popularization of the Windows window shell, the Win buttons and the context menu were added to it.

Fasten your seat belts, we will smoothly go from the most similar to the traditional to more rare species.

Das keyboard



Often discussed in Habré , and quite popular. You can call it extremely traditional, as it is one to one repeats the usual keyboard. It is possible to order with the keys without drawing characters, which allows using it with layouts different from Qwerty. In addition to additional keypads, there is also an unusual option - earplugs designed for colleagues and designed to protect them from the clicking sound of some models of this keyboard.
$ 130

A4Tech A-Shape Natural Multimedia Keyboard



You can see unusual buttons in the shape of a parallelepiped.

The second picture shows that the position of the hands when typing on this keyboard is more correct.
$ 30

IBM / Lenovo ThinkPad USB Keyboard with TrackPoint



It is worth noting the traditional layout of buttons for Thinkpad notebooks, especially Page Left and Page right. But the most important thing here is the presence of the trackpoint right in the middle of the keyboard, which, with a certain skill, becomes an excellent replacement for the mouse.
$ 59

Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000



Another keyboard, stimulating the correct and convenient arrangement of brushes. Microsoft has been developing keyboards and mice for a long time, and such a keyboard is hardly even exotic.
$ 50

Microsoft Arc Keyboard



Less popular compared to the Microsoft Arc Mouse device, nevertheless noteworthy. Cursor key, yes, it is the key that causes rather mixed emotions.
$ 60

Truly Ergonomic



Really ergonomic keyboard, it's hard to argue.
That is the difference:

Comparison with Microsoft 4000 described above:


$ 229

Kinesis advantage



The keys are recessed at the keyboard, and the brush is in a suspended position when typing.
$ 359 for the Pro version, $ 299 for the regular

Maltron Fully Ergonomic 3D



Another three-dimensional keyboard with a different layout.
$ 500

Freestyle Convertible Keyboard 2



The keyboard, consisting of two halves, whose position relative to each other can be changed.
$ 150

TypeMatrix USB EZ Reach Keyboard



Interesting layout, the keys are one below the other without shifting. There are models for other layouts or even without putting characters on the keys (empty keys).
$ 110

UPD:

DataDesk Tech Smart Board




Not just another keyboard, but a keyboard that combines the best of Truly Ergonomic, TypeMatrix, with everything else that has mechanical switches, and a very modest price.
$ 99

Cherry Programmable Rows and Columns Keyboard



There is nothing to say. Do what you want with her.
$ 200

Plum keyboard



Another keyboard with the location of the keys without shift. With a custom layout.
$ 140

Roll & Go Flexible Keyboard



Of course, having nothing to do with convenience and programming, but still fun.
$ 45

Happy Hacking Keyboard



The other day discussed here , with a minimal set of keys. Actively used by Emacs adepts. There is a model with cursor keys.
$ 300 per click, $ 490 per quiet

Guru board / Miniguru



Compact keyboard with a standard layout, or custom layout (empty keys). Disadvantaged is that it is only a design project, and the author has not yet decided whether the sales of the first batch can recoup the costs. It is easy to see that, like Happy Hacking, the keyboard lacks a functional cursor and keys, as well as a digital block. However, not everyone needs them. Unlike Happy Hacking, button layout is more traditional.

Safetype Keyboard



Very unusual configuration of the keyboard itself.
$ 295

The magic frogpad



The representative of chord keyboards. ZX Spectrum fans love it.
$ 130

Datahand



Fingers to sort no longer need. Only a little stir.
$ 995

Keybowl orbiTouch Keyboard



Call it a keyboard, even the language does not turn. The principle of operation is turning. It also works as a mouse.
$ 400

Materials and links


programmers.stackexchange.com/questions/2254/what-are-good-keyboards-for-programming/97441
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ergonomic_keyboard
stackoverflow.com/questions/96944/what-is-the-best-keyboard-mouse-for-ergonomics-or-to-prevent-wrist-pain
elitekeyboards.com/products.php
ergocanada.com/ec_home/products/keyboards.html

Source: https://habr.com/ru/post/145084/


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